Page 137 of The Lady and the Duke

“Fair enough,” she answered. “It was but a momentary faintness brought on by the wine and the heat Iexpect.”

“Come, you must want to congratulate the engaged couple,” he said, as he took her arm and led her toward thesittingroom.

This, of course, was the last thing Lydia wanted to do, but out of respect for the Templeton family, it was something shemustdo.

Edwin and Caroline were standing and receiving the good wishes of the guests who were not family. The Earl, the Duchess, and Lydia’s mother were seated next to the receivingcouple.

“Excuse me,” Daniel said, and went over to his father, leaving Lydia at the end of the receiving line. Her palms were clammy as she waited. But finally all had bid their good wishesbuther.

Caroline’s face turned to stone when Lydiaapproached.

“Miss Caroline, Mr. Edwin, I am most happy to offer my sincerest congratulations on your engagement, and I wish you all the happiness in your marriage.” Lydia offered her hand to Caroline, but she refused toacceptit.

Lydia then turned to Edwin. “Your Grace, you have my most felicitous wishes for great happiness and harmony in your pendingmarriage.”

Edwin nodded—his face a mask. “Thank you, MissFernside.”

Lydia turned to leave, but Caroline caught her arm and pulled her aside now that all the guests had offered theircongratulations.

Caroline had the evilest grin Lydia hadeverseen.

“So, how does it feel, Miss Lydia? Scorn me will you? Call me sadly absurd? Well now, who has Edwin chosen to be his wife? Who does he care for? Who has been left behind to stew in her own misery? Answer me that—MissLydia.”

Lydia stared at her for a few moments, and then said, “How sad you are. How very,verysad.”

She turned away as Daniel came overtoher.

“Lydia, shall we take a stroll in the garden before you go home? It will be refreshing after the stuffiness ofthisroom.”

“Thank you, I shallenjoythat.”

“And the carriage is ready for you whenever you like,” he added as he ledheraway.

As they were leaving for the garden Lydia, wondered how long it would be before Caroline would try to turn Daniel against her, if she hadn’t triedalready.

Daniel led her into the garden where the air was fresh, and perhaps even a bit chilly. They strolled along a rectangular, narrow pond until they came to a stand below the yew trees. They stopped and Daniel turned to Lydia while taking both of her handsinhis.

“We shall be going up to London soon,” Daniel said. “Now that the engagement has been announced there will be a great deal to do to prepare for the wedding. And I must also return to my studies. As delightful as this interlude has been, it is time for me to, once again, pursue mycalling.”

“Of course. None of us are exempt from ourduties.”

“I shall miss you. Might you write me?” heasked.

“I shall bedelightedto.”

“And it will not be that long until you and Ellen come up to London. I do look forward to that. And perhaps we might enjoy another opera together again. Or even someballet?”

“I look forward to thataswell.”

Even though it was dark, Lydia could tell that Daniel was watching her closely. And then he leaned in and kissedherlips.

She was startled and withdrew. “Daniel.Please…”

“I am sorry. I got carried away by the lovely evening and your presence. I overstepped. Please,forgiveme.”

“Certainly. But I think it’s best if you take me to thecarriagenow.”

“As you wish,” he said rathercoolly.